Police and paramedics were called to a grassed area within the grounds of the Glover Road school at around 6.15pm.

The boy, who was a Year 3 pupil at the school, was taken to Warrington hospital but later died. Doctors suspect the boy died of heart failure.

A post-mortem examination was expected to be carried out today in a bid to pinpoint the cause.

Ciaran’s grandad, Malcolm Hoole-Stewart, said that his grandson had been at his house, on nearby Strawberry Close, until 6pm on Tuesday before setting off for the kick-about at the school with four friends.

A distraught Mr Hoole-Stewart, who visited the scene of his grandson’s death yesterday to read the scores of floral tributes laid by schoolchildren and local families, said: "He was a fun-loving little lad who loved his football. My daughter [Ciaran’s mum] is totally devastated.

"We said that he was our little angel."

School friends of the youngster flocked to the scene to lay flowers and cards paying tribute. Scarves of Chester City, the boy’s favourite team, were also draped at the scene.

One tribute card said: "Sleep well little man, God bless." A spokesman for Cheshire Police confirmed the death. A file has been handed to the Cheshire coroner.